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Dal Lake is 11 km from Dharamshala and surrounded by deodar trees. The lake fills a mountain bowl. The words don't do half the justice to the real beauty of the lake. Dal lake is an enchanting and serene picnic spot where an annual fair is held in September. Apart from being thronged by photography enthusiasts, it really provided the elders with a lot of calm and peace.

Dal Lake is 11 km from Dharamshala and surrounded by deodar trees. The lake fills a mountain bowl. The words don't do half the justice to the real beauty of the lake. Dal lake is an enchanting and serene picnic spot where an annual fair is held in September. Apart from being thronged by photography enthusiasts, it really provided the elders with a lot of calm and peace.

Top of my list of places to visit had to be The Dal Lake, which can not be described in words, you have to see it for yourself to digest it's out of the world brilliance. Even world famous author Sir Walter Lawerence has written "Lake par-excellence" for Dal.
After an enriching walk around the lake and a Shikara ride on the calm Dal waters, I decided to visit Hazratbal Shrine. Situated on the left bank of the lake in all it's 17th century architectural greatness, the white marble mosque looked enchanting up close. Right adjacent to the Hazratbal Mosque was the impressive Nishat Bagh which I went to next. The garden commands a magnificent view of the lake with a backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.

If coming to Kashmir, then a visit to Dal Lake is a must. As I drove to the lake, got down from the car and stood on the pavement bordering the lake, I took in the panoramic view. It left me awestruck. The huge lake with the countless shikaras in the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains created an enigmatic view. Quintessentially as I took a ride in the shikara, the cost of the boat ride depends on the type of boat we opt for. There are beautifully decorated manual boats called shikaras as well as motorized boats. The prices depend according to season from 300Rs to 800Rs. I found myself skirting through narrow lanes, as there were markets and restaurants, sprawling beside me in the lake. It was like a little town was floating on the lake which in turn created a Venetian experience.

Another option for either the luxury or budget traveller is renting a houseboat on Srinigar’s Dal Lake. Sitting on the deck of a houseboat is an invitation to relax. For those inclined to watch birds, the lake offers some prime birding with swarms of eagles and multiple varieties of kingfishers and waterfowl to gaze at. For those who don’t care to watch birds, the enchanting and varied bird songs deliver a charming soundtrack that naturally invites peace and calm.
The houseboats on Dal Lake are parked, but that isn’t much of a problem. For the adventurous, canoes are provided for those wanting to explore the labyrinthine maze of waterways that cut through islands of vegetation. And for the laidback traveller, there’s never a shikara (brightly coloured gondola-like passenger boat) far away to paddle you around the lake on a romantic “Venice in India” boat tour.

1. Dal Lake – I have not experienced anything as beautiful as the Dal Lake in my life. It is not just because of its splendor, but because of the amount of adventures I have had there. In my three years in Srinagar, I have made the most memories in the Dal Lake. It has so much life to it.
Sitting in a Shikara, listening to the water splashing against the oar, and looking at the mountains visible at a distance, there is no better meditation than this. The experience is enhanced at night, under the moon, the darkness, and the quietness. The Shikara moves along the lined up houseboats – well decorated floating abodes – and moves towards the exquisite garden of Char Minar and further takes you through a floating garden of the lotus flower. After you have relished the peacefulness and natural beauty, the royal boat then takes you to the market and colony built on the lake waters. The whole experience is overwhelming and romantic.
Spend a night in one of the extravagant houseboats. Watch the setting of sun as you enjoy a beer in peace or in company.
Dal Lake also offers some water sports like water skiing and kayaking.

Topping my list of places to visit; we headed out straight for the Shikhara ride on the wee hours of the morning. Facing the twinkling yellow lights from wooden cottages, yawning my way up I saw a mesmerising sunrise- big and bright with a splash of purple and pink across the sky.

I read somewhere that staying at a houseboat is not recommended due to filthy Dal Lake, mosquitoes around and dependency on shikara guys if you have to go and explore the city, but I chose to stay at a houseboat and it turned out to be brilliant experience. The vintage houseboats with hand carved designs, royal interiors and magnificent view of snow clad mountains and lake makes you forget all chaos of your metropolitan life and you wish to stay here forever. The cold breeze you feel while sitting outside the houseboat at night is so majestic, the view of Dal Lake and mountains in sunrise was just spellbound that I kept on looking at it jaw dropped and forgot to capture. *Oops..!!!*
Shikara ride on Dal lake is a "must do" thing. Shikara guy shows the various spots in Dal lake including Floating market which was an unusual and pleasant site.

Iconic exclusive of Kashmir---the Shikara ride, a blissful experience of floating on the waters of Dal Lake where pics can be taken wearing traditional costumes.You can get to see a number of house boats (of course from outside) and you can also stay in one :) . The ride includes Shopping at meena bazaar on Dal Lake where saffron to shawls,general provisions to medicines can be got and the catch is, all the shops are on water (shop boats).And the price is much cheaper when compared to any other place in the entire trip.

Dal Lake - a must visit place when u'r in Srinagar...its one of the most colorful sites you'll ever see...all these beautiful houseboats and Shikaras spread all around you in the middle of a beautiful green valley! Must see places in Dal Lake (yes you read it right - there are places to be seen within this hugeeeee lake) - Floating Gardens, Meena Bazar, Golden Lake area

Now the best at the end. Dal Lake might as well be a geological monument given its characteristics and location, making it the most important lake in India. Surviving the city of Srinagar, this lake has become a part of the culture, history and future of Kashmiris. With floating gardens that feed the population, to a circumference decorated with historical buildings such as Hari Parbat, Shankaracharya Mandir, Hazratbal Dargah and Chashme Shahi, the Dal Lake stands as the last surviving symbol of secularism in Kashmir. The lake also serves as a flood lung of the life-giving Jhelum river that flows through the entire Kashmir valley. During severe winter, this lake freezes, and delivers its ice surface as a field for sports such as ice hockey.

Dal LakeHave always heard about Kashmir’s Dal Lake – either, parents have always spoken about this one place or it has been made tremendously popular with the numerous movies &amp; songs shot here. Truly scenic, Dal Lake could definitely do with some less crowd to preserve its natural beauty. Nevertheless, the lake surrounded by towering mountains on three sides is scattered with colourful &amp; brightly painted shikaras all along it - the most unique feature of the lake being the floating market. There would be shikaras rowing all the way up to you giving you options of buying veggies &amp; flowers, shawls &amp; souvenirs or just wearing the already-worn-a-million-times traditional Kashmiri attire &amp; pose for a snap. Don’t forget to grab some kulfi from a vendor sailing by!Mughal GardensShalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi &amp; Pari Mahal, together form the touristy Mughal Gardens in and around the Dal Lake. All of them are pretty botanical gardens built during the Mughal times, blooming with roses, the hundred odd years old traditional Chinar trees, refreshing fountains &amp; natural springs, making it a perfect picnic spot for a bright Sunday afternoon. Kashmir for foodies!How can you travel to Kashmir &amp; not taste the rich &amp; regal Kashmiri kahwa – light liquor tea drenched with dry fruits – clearly tea for the rich, what with one small ‘paper’ cup costing some 30 bucks.For dinner, we zeroed in on ‘Mughal Darbar’. Mughal Darbar is to Kashmir what Peter Cat is to Kolkata, Britannia to Mumbai &amp; Kareem’s to Delhi – old, traditional, authentic, oozing with culture &amp; lots of food! Being thorough carnivours, we ordered the Kashmiri Wazwan – a state of the art dish with various kinds of meat preparations served on a heap of rice. Guests sit together &amp; share this meal, out of a large plate. Apparently the original Wazwan is supposed to have around 36 courses – after this, all I could say was...burrrp!

When we think of Kashmir, the first thing that comes to our Mind is 'Houseboats'. Staying on a Houseboat means like living in Paradise, an experience one is not likely to find anywhere else on the surface of the earth. In the evening, enjoy a romantic Shikara ride on the Dal lake. Overnight in Srinagar. (L, D)You can stay at-

Those who are looking for a spot to refresh your senses and unwind in some fresh air away from the pollution, a shikara ride in Dal Lake of Srinagar would be an icing on the cake for them. Famed as the Jewel of Srinagar, Dal Lake is also one of the famous offbeat honeymoon destinations in India.Best Time To Visit: AugustOther Things To Do: Hari Parbat, Floating Garden and Kayaking.
18. The Ever-Beautiful Taj Mahal In Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Delhi-SrinagarWe landed at Srinagar Airport from Delhi late afternoon. Our cab driver dropped us at our houseboat which had a commanding view of the lake. It was really beautiful. We spent the entire evening sitting on the wood planks of the lake, chit chatting and eating. We opted 30 minute shikara ride as well. It started to drizzle by the time it got dark and the entire backdrop became gorgeous. (Ask for complimentary shikara ride when you book your stay with houseboat).

Dal Lake: is the main attraction because it’s in the middle of city and you can enjoy Sikara Ride, Water ski and most beautiful you will stay in&nbsp;Houseboat&nbsp;(most amazing thing). In Dal lake you feel surprised with floating market they sell flowers, vegetables and snacks. Don’t miss to see Floating Post Office.

Unlike its more popular counterpart Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake is a quieter, more peaceful &amp; far less commercialized lake to stay on. Lined by some beautifully carved wooden houseboats, you could spot the occasional egret in the water &amp; the many shikaras floating by, trying to sell their wares.Bashir ji, our very entertaining shikara guy, as instructed by Mr. Wangnu, decided to row us down all the way from Nigeen Lake to Dal Lake so that we could not only rest on the shikara post a very welcome ‘dal-chawal’ lunch at the houseboat, but also enjoy the serene beauty of the Kashmiri water bodies.We aimlessly floated for more than 2 hours through still waters, thick layers of algae &amp; endless lengths of lilly gardens – to quickly realize that poor Bashir ji wasn’t being able to steer us through the floating vegetable garden because the wind was against us &amp; refused to let us move ahead. Much to our amazement, totally undeterred Bashir ji broke into some popular Kashmiri songs &amp; kept rowing, ably supported for sometime by one of us, who decided to row along &amp; make the shikara move faster.

Unlike its more popular counterpart Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake is a quieter, more peaceful &amp; far less commercialized lake to stay on. Lined by some beautifully carved wooden houseboats, you could spot the occasional egret in the water &amp; the many shikaras floating by, trying to sell their wares.Bashir ji, our very entertaining shikara guy, as instructed by Mr. Wangnu, decided to row us down all the way from Nigeen Lake to Dal Lake so that we could not only rest on the shikara post a very welcome ‘dal-chawal’ lunch at the houseboat, but also enjoy the serene beauty of the Kashmiri water bodies.We aimlessly floated for more than 2 hours through still waters, thick layers of algae &amp; endless lengths of lilly gardens – to quickly realize that poor Bashir ji wasn’t being able to steer us through the floating vegetable garden because the wind was against us &amp; refused to let us move ahead. Much to our amazement, totally undeterred Bashir ji broke into some popular Kashmiri songs &amp; kept rowing, ably supported for sometime by one of us, who decided to row along &amp; make the shikara move faster.

Nagin Lake is relatively quieter than Dal Lake, the lake better known for its tourist crowd and commercial activities. Houseboats in Nagin Lake are usually preferred by honeymooners and discerning tourists. Nagin Lake is considered to be a separate lake but it is actually a part of Dal Lake, which is connected through a small causeway. The lake is bounded by scenic hills like Takht-e-sulaiman, Hari Parbat and Zabarwan range and by no means less beautiful than Dal Lake. The dense lush wooded forest of Willow trees and Poplar trees flank the edges of the lake. Hospitality:Houseboat stay is the perfect way to enjoy unparalleled Kashmiri hospitality and experience rich Kashmiri culture and heritage. From traditional wooden furnishing to authentic Kashmiri Wazwan, all speak of affluent Kashmir tradition and its hospitality. In houseboats, tourists can take a sip of traditional Kehwa (a kind of green tea served with cinnamon, saffron and nuts) and relish their taste buds with authentic Kashmiri cuisines. Each houseboat has a pantry boat at the rear side of the boat where chefs prepare the dishes. Shikaras:One of the prime attractions of Srinagar is Shikara, which invites tourists from far flung areas to take a leisure ride on it. Often referred as ‘Kashmiri Gondola’, Shikara is a beautifully decorated wooden boat found in Dal Lake, Nagin Lake and Jhelum River in Srinagar. Though Shikaras are used for multiple commercial activities, these boats are better known for ferrying tourists from the banks to houseboats and visiting sightseeing places. Tourists can hire Shikaras from boat stations all along the shorelines of Dal Lake and Nagin Lake.

Bandipora is situated on the banks of the Wular, the largest freshwater lake in Asia which is home to a lot of migratory birds. Inadvertent dumping of the polluted river waters and sewage affluence has led to a pandemic growth of algae in the waters of the Wular which is threatening the lake and its supporting life itself. The main source of pollution to Wullar Lake is Jehlum river. Jehlum river carries all the wastes from Srinagar city and other surrounding areas and deposits it in Wullar Lake. Despite being the richest wetland of South Asia and largest freshwater lake in Asia, no steps have been taken to save Wullar Lake. Bandipora is also a stepping town to the higher reaches of Razdan, Gurez and Tragbal.

Bandipora is situated on the banks of the Wular, the largest freshwater lake in Asia which is home to a lot of migratory birds. Inadvertent dumping of the polluted river waters and sewage affluence has led to a pandemic growth of algae in the waters of the Wular which is threatening the lake and its supporting life itself. The main source of pollution to Wullar Lake is Jehlum river. Jehlum river carries all the wastes from Srinagar city and other surrounding areas and deposits it in Wullar Lake. Despite being the richest wetland of South Asia and largest freshwater lake in Asia, no steps have been taken to save Wullar Lake. Bandipora is also a stepping town to the higher reaches of Razdan, Gurez and Tragbal.

19. Wular Lake, Jammu &amp; Kashmir – The shrinking lakeWular Lake in Kashmir is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world and it regularly hosts water sports for locals and tourists. But it is shrinking due to pollution and the hunting to waterfowl. Enjoy the sights of this grand water body while it lasts. There is a plan to fell 2 million tress to increase the size of the lake, but that will take some time. And even so, the idea that trees need to be cut down to preserve a natural body, seems a bit bizarre. But maybe it's just me.

Surrounded by Pir Panjal ranges, Dal Lake has been globally known for its natural beauty, serenity, houseboats, Shikaras, floating markets, floating gardens and many more things. After Wular Lake, it is the second largest lake of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Being an integral part of state’s tourism sector, it is often called as ‘The Jewel on the Crown of Kashmir’. The 15.5 km long shorelines of the lake is encompassed by commercial and tourists places like Boulevard Road, Dal Gate, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Hazrat Bal and large numbers of houseboats and hotels. From the wooden balconies of the houseboats of Dal Lake, tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of snow capped mountain ranges of Himalaya, sunset, bird life, and cruising Shikaras and so on and so forth.

'Wular' means ‘stormy’ in Kashmiri, and this is how the lake, known for its turbulent waters and fierce winds, was once described. It was praised for its beauty by writers in their books and loved by travellers who liked to camp along its banks.Most people, especially on the internet, have falsely claimed that Wular Lake, located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, is the largest freshwater lake of Asia. Though the fact might be untrue, but the lake's beauty is not made-up. Being fed by the water of the Jhelum River, the lake was once so clear that you could see till deep below. Children played in the lake and local families used the water to cook their meals. Today, however, Wular Lake is less than half the size it used to be. Its total surface and surrounding marshlands have shrunk from 216 sq. km in 1911 to 104 sq. km in 2008. The waves have disappeared and the water lies stagnant, swarming with mosquitoes. In fact, sometimes it is difficult to even spot the lake, as it now looks more green than blue, with it being covered by rice paddies, floating vegetation and water-sucking willow trees. What happened

Some things that mesmerised me about Srinagar were the Houseboats and back waters of Dal Lake. A shikara ride till one of the houseboats in the lake is an experience that is a must in a lifetime. As the Shikara passed through the various channels, we passed many houseboats which were managed by sincere dexterity by the locals. Kingfishers and other birds become a frequent sight once past the house boats into the backwaters. The kingfishers sit on the tops of houseboats nonchalantly almost within the touching distance of humans who seem to be equally unmindful of the birds.
We moved further into the calm waters of Anchar Lake where we were in a totally different world, no crowd of boats, no motor boat engines to be heard and the mood was different altogether. It felt almost like we actually were in Venice, just with a lot of fauna instead of architectural structures.

Some things that mesmerised me about Srinagar were the Houseboats and back waters of Dal Lake. A shikara ride till one of the houseboats in the lake is an experience that is a must in a lifetime. As the Shikara passed through the various channels, we passed many houseboats which were managed by sincere dexterity by the locals. Kingfishers and other birds become a frequent sight once past the house boats into the backwaters. The kingfishers sit on the tops of houseboats nonchalantly almost within the touching distance of humans who seem to be equally unmindful of the birds.
We moved further into the calm waters of Anchar Lake where we were in a totally different world, no crowd of boats, no motor boat engines to be heard and the mood was different altogether. It felt almost like we actually were in Venice, just with a lot of fauna instead of architectural structures.

Nishat Garden is situated on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains forming its backdrop. Also known as the garden of bliss, it was laid out in 1633 by Asaf Khan, the elder brother of Nur Jahan. Designed in Persian style, this is a 12-terrace garden interspersed with fountains, colourful flowerbeds and lush green lawns.

Nishat Garden is situated on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains forming its backdrop. Also known as the garden of bliss, it was laid out in 1633 by Asaf Khan, the elder brother of Nur Jahan. Designed in Persian style, this is a 12-terrace garden interspersed with fountains, colourful flowerbeds and lush green lawns.

Nishat Garden is situated on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains forming its backdrop. Also known as the garden of bliss, it was laid out in 1633 by Asaf Khan, the elder brother of Nur Jahan. Designed in Persian style, this is a 12-terrace garden interspersed with fountains, colourful flowerbeds and lush green lawns. Overnight in Srinagar (B)

In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Garden, Chashmeshahi and Nishant Gardens. Later, visit the Shankracharya Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at a height of about 1,100 ft. on a hilltop on the southeast of the city, offers splendid views of the valley and the snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panjal range.Request A Call BackThe rest of the evening is at leisure. One can enjoy shopping at the local market for papier-mache items ranging from jewellery boxes to mirror frames, a range of intricately carved walnut wood furniture and accessories, stone jewellery boxes, beautiful woolen shawls etc. Overnight in Srinagar (B, L, D)

A major part of Sringar and Kashmir in fact, has sprawling lush green gardens with the most beautifully landscaped flower beds and fountains amidst structures which date back to almost the late 16th century. I decided to see a few for myself and visited Shalimar Garden first. Situated 15 Kms from the city centre, it was built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, Nurjahan. Shalimar gets water from Harwan through a canal lined with fountains. These fountains were the main attraction for the tourists and children alike.
Next I moved to Cheshma Shahi, or the Royal Spring was laid by Shah Jahan and Pari Mahal. The spring is famous for refreshing digestive water. After refreshing myself with water from the spring, I went 2kms uphill to reach Pari Mahal. The different views from the 7 terraces Srinagar felt surreal and I stood admiring the natural beauty for many a minutes.

A major part of Sringar and Kashmir in fact, has sprawling lush green gardens with the most beautifully landscaped flower beds and fountains amidst structures which date back to almost the late 16th century. I decided to see a few for myself and visited Shalimar Garden first. Situated 15 Kms from the city centre, it was built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, Nurjahan. Shalimar gets water from Harwan through a canal lined with fountains. These fountains were the main attraction for the tourists and children alike.
Next I moved to Cheshma Shahi, or the Royal Spring was laid by Shah Jahan and Pari Mahal. The spring is famous for refreshing digestive water. After refreshing myself with water from the spring, I went 2kms uphill to reach Pari Mahal. The different views from the 7 terraces Srinagar felt surreal and I stood admiring the natural beauty for many a minutes.

Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden with Persian garden layout, with finely groomed tall Aspen trees planted at 2 feet apart from each other, with a backdrop of the vast monsoon Blue Mountains. Furthermore through the third arena are the beautifully picturesque Chinar trees with water fountains in the centre. Shalimar in Sanskrit means abode of love. Mountains merged with the bare blue sky at the horizon almost making the clouds and mountains seem one. Some of the other striking gardens of Kashmir are Chashme Shahi and Nishat Bagh.

Shalimar Gardens (also known as garden of love), situated 15 km from Srinagar, is one of the most popular Mughal gardens in the city. It has four terraces, rising one above the other, fitted with fountains and chinar (sycamore) trees.

Shalimar Gardens (also known as garden of love), situated 15 km from Srinagar, is one of the most popular Mughal gardens in the city. It has four terraces, rising one above the other, fitted with fountains and chinar (sycamore) trees.

Chashme Shahi, an ancient garden established in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan, is considered to be one of the smallest Mughal gardens in Srinagar. Divided into three different sections with an aqueduct, waterfalls and fountains, it provides magnificent views of the Himalayas and the Dal Lake.

Chashme Shahi, an ancient garden established in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan, is considered to be one of the smallest Mughal gardens in Srinagar. Divided into three different sections with an aqueduct, waterfalls and fountains, it provides magnificent views of the Himalayas and the Dal Lake.

2. Chasmha Shahi ( Royal spring)It was built by governor of Shah Jahan and is located near Rajbhavan.It has an Iranian influence in art and architecture with design based on Persian Gardens.Built around the freshwater spring, which flows through its centre.That water, it was so pure, so gelid, glacial ,that just gave me Goosebumps when I initially stepped there.But the water was a boon!!

Yousmarg is a land of rolling green hills. I went horse riding through these green meadows and explored the inner secrets of this forest. When I reached the river flowing through its heart, I wasn't disappointed at all. There are lush conifers all around and the silence is broken only by the persistent gurgling of the river rushing through the rocks. Sit back and enjoy Nature's beauty while you sip on some golden kahwa. Let me warn you though, the narrow trail leading to the river is not for the faint hearted. It requires quite some endurance and conquering over ones fear of heights.

Yousmarg is a land of rolling green hills. I went horse riding through these green meadows and explored the inner secrets of this forest. When I reached the river flowing through its heart, I wasn't disappointed at all. There are lush conifers all around and the silence is broken only by the persistent gurgling of the river rushing through the rocks. Sit back and enjoy Nature's beauty while you sip on some golden kahwa. Let me warn you though, the narrow trail leading to the river is not for the faint hearted. It requires quite some endurance and conquering over ones fear of heights.

Green meadows,greenery,greenery,greenery as far as the eyes can see.Water streams in between as you proceed inside the forest are the actual sight seeing points.Rare species of plants and flowers gives us a good retrospective of our Botany knowledge.Transportation within the forest area is only by horse so horse rides!!.